The president has openly said he is not interested in testing people exposed to coronavirus like experts have said we should, and that he “likes the numbers where they are.” The Trump administration has also failed to test the 75,000 people they promised to test by the end of last week — only 6,563 have been tested so far. For the most part, governors in blue states have taken the lead on establishing protocols that include out of pocket cost waivers, testing sites and back-up sick pay. It looks like the states are pretty much on their own here.
These federal failures and the slow response to keep us from careening toward a fate similar to that of Italy (which is now on complete lockdown) are in full view. Many Republicans have hypocritically continued to deny the gravity of the situation (e.g. Ted Cruz has self-quarantined after the CPAC conference). Some colleges and universities will be completely closed by the end of the week, while many parents continue to wonder why school is not suspended everywhere.
Given that the number of coronavirus cases in the United States is expected to explode in the next few weeks, what have you done to change your routine or habits in light of the approaching Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic? Are you still going about your schedule regularly and attending all of your normal events like work, school, church and other appointments? Have you decided to cancel things and stay home more? Have you stocked up on more food and supplies than usual? Are you pretty much doing the same things and simply taking the advice to stop touching your face, not shake hands and wash you hands more?
Do you think the threat is being exaggerated by the media as the Trump administration and other prominent Republicans have suggested, or have you already started taking precautions? What have you changed in your life in light of coronavirus? Give me all the details you feel comfortable talking about.
Hello all. Hope this finds you in the best possible spirits... I am an online English conversationalist and work with clients all over the world, including China, South Korea, Italy etc. I am more than HAPPY to share what I’ve been hearing about since January. Many of us are totally safe, but on the other hand, many are not. What we DO know that the ONE thing that has helped is staying at home. It is absolutely critical that we take action RIGHT NOW. The stats do not lie. The virus doesn’t discriminate. I know many people that have been inside for 40 days now and yes, it’s hard. BUT—— we have the internet, we have resources. We need to be proactive and not reactive because we can clearly see what happens to each country when they CHOSE to react and not take action immediately. I have been living overseas for 8 years and it’s MIND BLOWING to continue to see Americans focused on politics and all the other madness (which is totally important—I get it), and not TAKE ACTION regarding COVID-19. Please, please, PLEASE stay at home and share the love with everyone you can. We can as a world, unite and beat this. The global economy is going to hurt... We know this and acceptance is key. But what importance does the economy serve us if we let people die...? Think of the mental impact it will also have. Think about homeless people, prisoners, indigenous people, refugees... They have nowhere to go and the virus WILL continue to spread. We must see the bigger picture. Again, I’m not an alarmist and feel very woke about this global challenge but I continue to stay positive, laugh as much as possible, and again, share the information with everyone I know. I am happy to share my experiences with any of you in order to try and help humanity. Sending lots of good, positive, healing vibes to everyone. Cheers. 😊
My PhD is in Public Health and I take all this very seriously. Trump has misled the country and there will be people who die still saying, "It's a Democrat hoax!" My university has closed until further notice, all instruction is moving online. I'm good with that because I teach fully online using all the available conferencing technology and learning tools available to me. Fun facts: 1) I came from abject poverty, often went without lunch or dinner for days at a time. So I'm what some might call a food hoarder. I like to see my pantries and freezers FULL. I call myself *prepared*. I was stocked up on hand sanitizer, bleach, and toilet paper before it was fashionable. 2) I love love love staying at home. My husband recently gave me a bracelet out of the blue with this inscribed on it: "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." -Esther 4:14. Please stay safe everyone!!
I was already a germaphobe and refused to touch pretty much any door handle (because people don't wash their hands after going to the bathroom and are generally gross), and now I walk around with paper towel or tissues to make sure that I don't have to touch just about anything. Does that make me a freak? Yeah, almost certainly, but I can live with people thinking that..................
My adult kids, their spouses, and myself planned and booked a two week trip to Europe starting in two weeks. We cancelled. I am supposed to fly to AZ Friday. I work as a personal chef for a wealthy family. They are loading onto their private jet to go the resort. I'm flying commercial, renting a car, doing the daily shopping, and serving about 340 meals in 7 days. I'm not too thrilled that they haven't cancelled this trip. I don't think I'm particularly vulnerable (56 y.o. and ex smoker) but who knows. But I do have very heightened concerns about contracting it and putting additional strain on healthcare system or passing it along and putting someone who is vulnerable in danger or, again, adding strain to healthcare system. I'm really disappointed in what appears to be a disregard for any level of social responsibility as it pertains to this.
I'm immunocompromised with a primary immune deficiency. I work a few hours a week but am disabled at the age of 55. I am not going to work at all. My employer has been very supportive but of course, I don't get paid. I don't have sick leave. I have Basic Medicare. I have stocked up on groceries and filled prescriptions early. I have NOT panic-bought toilet paper and sanitizer but I already had a disaster kit. In the next 10 days I will be loading the car, taking the dog, and heading a couple hundred miles to stay with family. One of them is even more medically fragile than me and we can support each other. They are working from home and having groceries delivered but do not have a car like I do. It also allows me to leave my small rural community with poor access to services and be somewhere with better access to quality medical care. At least one of my children will be there, as well. It will be crowded and uncomfortable but we will feel safer, whether we actually really are or not. This really sucks. I struggle with feelings of anger and despair. This is not how I want to die.
I am a long term care Ombudsman in Illinois which means that I am an advocate for seniors, mentally ill or any residents of nursing homes or the like which are licensed by the state. We started to get directions from the state health department last week and are following the guidelines from the state or the CDC. Prior to this we (Ombudsman) don't go to facilitates with outbreaks which happen around this time of year typically ie the flu or cold. I am washing my hands more and most facilities already have hand sanitizers throughout their buildings. The biggest thing for us is that we don't want to be carrier's and spread it around to community's that are already vulnerable to infections.
It is appropriate during this administration to make plans through states and coordinated units of local governments -assuming there are resources. We are lucky in Colo to be led by Jared Polis who implemented a drive-up test center and arranged for 600,000 test kits, free testing, and emergency rulemaking in state agencies to provide paid sick leave for workers who must stay home. The Colorado director of health and the environment, Jill Ryan, is a star. They have studied Italy to know what went wrong. Yesterday a coalition of towns ans counties developed emergency plans on a regional basis. The point Colo is emphasizing is that common sense measures like washing hands & avoiding unnecessary travel/gatherings are designed to slow the spread of the virus into vulnerable populations & to buy time while a vaccine is being developed. Working from home isn’t just about “you.” It could save a life.
I am in Michigan, which does not (yet) have as many cases as the coasts. But as of a few days ago, I am self- quarantining because I am 73 and vulnerable.
The only threat not adequately addressed in MSM is the threat posed by Fox"News" Channel and the President's enablers.
I am a low-ish risk 58-yr-old person in good health, but have changed my community organizing efforts to more text/email efforts (we had a primary here yesterday). I did keep my weekly volunteer appointment at the local food pantry to in-take 600+ lbs of produce donated from our local grocers. The need is SO great and many of our older volunteers declined to come in today. I did convert all our household medications to three-month supply today, and have made sure that the staples and freezer are a little more stocked (esp. as it looks as though our youngest will be home from university in a few days).
The biggest challenge has been what he has as a college junior faced since January. He attends university back East. He was supposed to have been in China this semester (part of his degree requirement for graduation next year), but he pulled out just three days before all programs were suspended, so that he could try to make up a month of missed course-work back on campus. The school was great about resettling him on campus... but now everyone is being sent home with the balance of semester being taught by Zoom or Coursera (they're still figuring that out). Bigger question, for now unanswerable, is whether life will return to "normal" for summer school. He has even more critical plans for his graduation/career goals June/July/August. Heartbreaking... but not life-ending.
I am globally sad... mostly for the unnecessary, further disintegration of trust in our institutions... the CDC was a gem at one point in time. The current administration will have an eternity of history to answer for its incompetence, cruelty and needless hurt of its own people.
I work in healthcare in SoCal, so am not going to stay home unless I develop symptoms(or we begin testing employees regularly, which seems unlikely given the paucity of tests). Also, being T1D, I haven’t got a rosy outlook if I contract this disease(have an appointment to update my will soon). Just bracing for impact at this point.
I take care of my 90 yr old mom, so I quarantined her 2 months ago. I'm extremely careful when I'm out, so that I don't bring it back to her. I run a humidifier, as h2o encapsulates a virus, making it too heavy to stay airborne. I keep surfaces pretty much sterile. She thinks a little touch of a baby wipe cleans her hands, so she 😠 when I stand over her while she 'soaps up'...lol.
I just took a hiatus from my docent position at NMNH. I am 66 and in decent health. I know I am a serious hand washer ( not a new thing) and would not go in if I was sick but I cannot trust the thousands of visitors and especially the influx of traveling school groups we get at this time of year. We did get new protocols today- you can wear gloves and masks if you have them, the carts we take out with objects for the public to see and touch are not to go out, and other things to lessen contact but it is not sufficient for me. I am sorry to do it but I feel it is necessary. My neighbor’s kids are home while their school is deep cleaned- some teachers had exposure to the virus
I often walk to the store and we live in a low income neighborhood with a lot of homeless people and stressed people, so I'm shopping at times when I know it won't be so busy. I'm trying to keep strangers 6 feet away, since most people don't know how to safely cough or sneeze. I wash my hands well when I get home. If it gets bad in the Twin Cities, I'll start getting groceries delivered via Instacart. I find I am shopping less.
I'm 74 but super healthy. I live next door to my granddaughters, who are still attending public school daily. I drive them to school and go into my younger granddaughter's school every afternoon for pick up. My daughter is an Urgent Care physician. Of course the clinic uses great protocols and triage, but my assumption from day 1 is that my family will be exposed and we all may get it. I fully expect us all to survive, but it would be nicer not to get it.
This period of time in the epidemic is worrisome. Test kit supply has not caught up to reality. There are cases in our city, my daughter is seeing patients, and they don't have test kits. This is just unacceptable. Doctors have to go by symptoms to diagnose, test for flu first (which takes a few days), and then hopefully get test kits for Covid 19. Her employer has just started doing 15 minute COVID updates daily, which is a good thing; information is power.
I have read that Covid19 is considered a SARS type virus, meaning Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome. I am really outraged that people are not being quickly diagnosed, because delaying diagnosis/treatment is more likely to lead to acute respiratory distress. Also, health care workers are at greater risk, especially because Trump's CDC is very weak in terms of sharing information. The possible overload of the system will only make everyone more exhausted and vulnerable.
I'm calling Minnesota's Governor today to advocate that MN starts making its own test kits. Minnesota should have very good resources for doing that, and relying on the Trump administration is foolish.
I'm trying to stay active, healthy, and get outdoors a lot. Thank god for podcasts and laughter.
I stayed home all last week from my preschool job because I just felt "off". Did not go to see Frozen on Broadway last night in Portland cuz my daughter has a cough and we aren't assholes.
Otherwise not much but at my preschool...washing hands every 20 minutes with the kids and every time a kid touches their face. I make up funny songs to sing and I scrub with them.
I'm trying to walk instead of subway, or take it during non-rush hour. Political fundraisers I planned to attend have been cancelled. I use hand sanitizer when i get off train. I clean my phone, laptop, and computer a couple times a day with rubbing alcohol. I bump elbows instead of shaking hands. When I do my shift at the food co-op tomorrow, I will wear surgical gloves. I will also start wearing biodegradable surgical gloves at the gym. I have stocked up on smoothie supplies, and unrelated ordered too much TP about a month ago.
👇🏼 Absolutely agree that we need to take care of ourselves to not overwhelm the system for those in true need. Yes, stock up so that you can self quarantine and have a low impact. It’s pretty easy to have extra canned and frozen food. Rice beans pasta! Enchilada sauce and bottled pasta sauce in case your veggies run out! Video chat with your elderly relatives rather than visiting nursing homes. It’s all pretty basic. Don’t listen to the White House, listen to the experts.
I'm a data analyst for the infection prevention department at a large hospital system in NC. I have an autoimmune disease as well as asthma. I've been upping my disinfecting (including bringing wipes with me in public places). I just canceled a gig (I'm a musician part-time) and have uninvited myself to places with large crowds. Thankfully, I will be allowed to work from home and will likely start that sooner than later. Being cautious as there aren't "confirmed" cases in my city, but it's just a matter of time.
My wife is retired and immune system compromised so there is that worry. I just lost my job for 6 months or so at a local university that just shut down. Unemployment will help but it’s not really enough. It’s probably good that i was laid off, so I don’t bring anything harmful home. It’s still gonna hurt tho and now only the hotel owners, airline stockholders, and cruise ship owners will get any help from our Resident of the White House.
I have multiple comorbidities so I took care as many of my in person doctor appointments two weeks ago and made plans with them for the possibility of phone consults in the future. I stocked up on my prescription, and OTC, medications that I hadn't already managed to get a month or two ahead and I purchased shelf stable food, water, pet supplies, wipes, gloves, hand gel, aloe gel & alcohol to make my own, paper & cleaning supplies & personal hygiene supplies. This cost a considerable amount of my fixed income from last month and this month and will take me at least three months to catch up on. I am fortunate that I was able to do that and I know that this is not a realistic possibility for many people. I considered self isolation a priority, not only for myself, but for other vulnerable community members. Today will be the last day that my caregiver will come inside to help me. I plan on offering to continue to pay her $10 one day a week, (if she is not self isolating & and wants to do it), to pick up a few groceries and the mail & then leave it at my front door. I canceled my trip to see family in May last week so that my sister in law will be able to get a full refund. I usually go twice a year to see them and it was really crushing to have to cancel. I set many short term goals around those visits and it has been the most difficult adjustment that I've had to make to date. Both my brothers & sisters in law are in high risk categories. My son works in a hospital lab & is on their COVID-19 task force & a young nephew has stage 3 cancer so I'm very concerned about all their well being as we all ride this out. Due to some of my health issues, I don't get out a lot anyway so the self isolation isn't too much of a change from my day to day, just a few cancellations here and there, no going to movies, no accepting any offers to go out to eat & no takeout. I am switching out some of the herbs & other plants that I normally grow each spring for vegetables and I plan on growing tomatoes, peppers, greens mix, basil & a few more herbs instead of mostly herbs and flowers. I still will grow a few flowers especially for my night garden.
I don't think that the media is exaggerating the danger & urgency of the situation. I believe that, due to our lack of preparation coupled with the defunding and elimination of critical infectious disease resources, our hospitals, first responders, health care workers & others will become completely overwhelmed and many people will die as a result, not all necessarily from COVID-19. I hope that I am wrong but one only has to look at Italy currently to see where we will soon be.
I don't think that we are at all prepared for what is coming in the weeks and months ahead. Many will pay the ultimate price for our government's incompetence. As we begin to experience the devastating effects to come, I fear that our president will become more authoritarian and I expect martial law to be enacted. I don't think that the term crimes against humanity is too strong of a term to describe the actions of our president and some of the lackeys that he has installed and I hope to live long enough to see many of them brought to justice. Thanks for keeping us informed and please stay safe out there.
About a week before the “Great Toilet Paper War”, I had already stocked up with about 6 weeks of non-perishables, dog food & yes, the all-important TP. Figured I was ready if I needed it & if not? It would eventually get eaten or could be donated to my Food Bank. I have some prescriptions due in about 2 weeks, but I have Asthma & didn’t get a Flu Shot last year (Dumb. I usually do) so today, I emailed my Doc’s Office to enquire about current protocol & whether they might be able to just forward my prescriptions to the Pharmacy without a visit given the current climate.
My friend’s Parents had booked a Seniors trip to Japan & South Korea for this month! They had to wait for the organizers to cancel it in order to get refunded. Maybe next year?
I think GOP's down-playing this virus will cost us thousands of lives. This is a tsunami and the US is unprepared. I'm over 50, have a pre-existing condition and am a Virgo, so I am not leaving my apartment, have stocked up on everything, and am disinfecting surfaces with 70% alcohol because I have a roommate who is a teacher (yikes). I'm also disinfecting my liver. I ordered a case of cava so I'm good for a while.
I’m a heart transplant survivor and thus immunosuppressed. I started to take precautions last week but I honestly thought I had another week.
As a transplant, I have to live a certain way to avoid picking up any extra bugs and *knock on wood* have avoided the flu in my 3 years since transplant (I sometimes think this is because I taught for 23 years before getting sick). I always use hand sanitizer after touching anything the public would touch - gas pumps, clean gym equipment pre using, touching a menu, etc. and generally after food shopping.
Extra steps now, I’m staying in as much as possible. I stopped going to the yoga studio and gym. I wear a vogmask if/when I go out (bloodwork this week). I did start buying extra food but, again, thought I had another week. Family and friends are asking daily if I need anything from the store. I have a hard time accepting help but a friend came over yesterday to wipe everything down again.
Full disclosure, I don’t like to live this way but I would HATE to get the virus. I want to survive this thing.
We cancelled a trip to Disneyland. 1 teen, 2 middle-age adults and 1 older (late 60s) adult. Was supposed to leave tonight and return Saturday. I know it’s mostly impacting older people, but I was concerned about the “asthmatic” teen- every cold she gets lingers in her lungs. Better safe than sorry- everyone is sad about it.
We are very aware because my wife is immunity challenged (heart murmur, asthma, lyne disease since 1987), so it is red zone time for us. Luckily, we are self-employed with our office a block away. But since we are in advertising, we stress about fewer visitors to the area and the coming recession (not to mention any shortage of toilet paper). I predict that our Dear Leader’s ignorance toward this issue will potentially cause problems for his flock, but they will still follow him until he is defeated in November....and for years afterward (sigh). To sum up - we are in high alert for any sniffle or cough, yet continue to move ahead, no matter what....
If you are over 60 or retired please stock up and stay home through the upcoming peak. Don’t be the one who contributes to overwhelming the healthcare system, taking a bed from a child who needs hospitalization. The Boomers could stop the speed of Covid-19 spread and save lives.
Disgusting “starve the beast” conservatism reaping what it sows. What could be more evidence than Don the Con depleting pandemic experts from the CDC in 2018? I’ve been adjusting our retirement nest egg to prepare for deep recession-it’s quickly becoming a self-feeding cycle in the sheer failures of the federal government. And doing my best to “keep it sanitized” at home. Our schools are still open but lots of events are being cancelled. I’m unfortunately the kind of guy that will eat my kids’ leftovers without thought, same fork and all, after 2 hours of cleaning door knobs and handles. 🤦🏻♂️
We are on spring break this week (yeah, I know, it’s not even spring yet 🙄), but another school district in our area closed this week. I’m curious to see what will happen next week when we are supposed to go back.
For the most part, we haven’t made many changes. I will admit that I bought some extra toilet paper (not a lot, just enough in case they continue to run low). I also bought a flat of bottled water. If we don’t need it now, we’ll use it for outings this summer. $3 is totally worth peace of mind.
We continue to go out to the movies and the zoo. Although, I have been pulling out the hand sanitizer more often. I’m not worried, yet, but I will take a few steps to protect my family.
I’m retired (100% disability rating VA pension) and just had both knees replaced. So I was already staying in my home. I’ve worked in the hospital so I already wash my hands after every patient err I mean person contact. So my behavior hasn’t really changed. I was looking forward to walks as the weather got better but we are delaying that a bit. Amee I do want to thank you, I am so thankful that you do the research you do and publish it in Shero!
I’m retired and after complex foot and ankle surgery in mid-October I’ve been mostly confined to my home. My first two events happened ten days ago when my BFF and I went to the casino to see Tracy Morgan and I attended a wedding (full of trump supporters from the groom’s side!). I’ve definitely been thinking about how many germy slot machines and surfaces I touched those two days. We have ID’d some cases here in MN and I definitely have stocked my pantry and freezer. My son who lives with me is in college and has more community exposure than I. I did buy a bunch of sani-wipes last month to keep in my purse. I’m a nurse, so I wash my hands constantly anyway and was trained not to touch my face. I don’t shake hands during flu season as a routine practice.
We have to assume it’s everywhere and hope the testing ramps up this week.
I'm in Colorado, we have 18 cases right now. The US cases have nearly tripled since last week- 1039 as of this am. I just had surgery two weeks ago, and now have a suppressed immune system. I have food for at least 8 weeks, have been cooking and freezing. I've cleaned/disinfected every surface in my apartment and my car. I've self isolated now.
I think trump is more concerned with the effect on his reelection, image and personal holdings (Trump hotels, etc) than he is with the American people. He hates the numbers, because of optics. I think people in this administration are so afraid to give him bad news, they are purposefully giving him bad and false information.
In the coming weeks, the numbers of infected in the US are going to explode. This. Is. A. Pandemic.
We are season ticket holders for our local AHL hockey team and have decided to skip home games at this time. I work in a hospital (Non patient care) and am 1000 times more careful regarding what I touch and where I go.
I have not changed a lot (I work in a small office with two others - no outside visitors) Although we just canceled our Educator march on the Colorado capitol for next week. About 5,000 people would have been attending. It sucks, but I think a smart move. I too have a very full pantry and filled freezer, so not concerned with food. I have enough toilet paper and hand sanitizer, etc, etc. Been using hand sanitizer every time I get in and out of the car. I have it in my purse too. Wash hands when I get to work and when I get home from anywhere. I don't think I will go to church just to be on the safe side until we have more information on spread. I'm so thankful that my governor in Colorado is Jared Polis. He just opened a drive up/through Coronavirus testing center. I know he has been all over this by his news briefings. Take care everyone - thankful for you Amy keeping us informed and to the rest of you - I'm glad we are on the same team!
I haven't changed much yet in my personal life. I’m a bit more conscious on how long I wash my hands and have added hand sanitizer to my daily travel bag but I was already pretty good in this area. At work, I’m part of the information technology leadership team of an international company so I’ve spent much of my recent time planning and testing technology for a variety of scenarios.
I have two personal trips coming up in the next six weeks, both domestic, and to this point I haven’t canceled, but I am leaving my options open.
I’ve decided to stay a bit further from social media and main stream news media during this time (except, of course, your newsletter). I check who.int daily and a few other trusted sources (again, this newsletter is one of those 😎) but the hype and denial are both extreme and I get irritated and embarrassed by it all.
Reading through the comments here, I am in agreement with many. This is serious and we have to take action and be smart. We need to learn from others and trust science. The White House and GOP, as well as Fox News...you know, the usual suspects...are acting so irresponsibly on this matter. That drove me away more than usual.
I wish all of you well. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Thank you, Amee, for creating this wonderful community!
My kids school has closed at least for a few days. They have no known cases, but are being proactive. Which sadly I think is the only way we would be able to keep this from being catastrophic, but I think the federal government is too worried about optics to actually do the work to contain it and protect people (which require proactive measures and LOTS of testing, like S Korea has done.) Because then if you contain it, and it doesn't get that bad (because you took appropriate proactive measures) people say you overreacted and it wasn't that bad....
I'm supposed to work in another state for 2 months, but my plan was to have my 69 year old mom come watch my kids while I do that, and fly them out to visit me a couple of times, but now I feel bad asking my mom to expose herself in that way.
I support public safety (911, police,fire, etc), so when they call, I go. Unless I have symptoms, I have to go if there is a problem. I can take reasonable precautions, but some things are mostly out of my control.
Right now, it is not in our county (as far as we know) so I have not done too much. I am in the "old people" category now so I should be more worried. But, I live alone, work from home already and don't go out too much. I am not around others unless I go to the grocery store. The stores have really stepped it up by providing wipes to wipe off carts and hand sanitizer. I should be more of a germaphobe because I touch my face CONTINOUSLY! Just got word from work that everyone is supposed to work from home until the end of March. I am also listening to Gov. Cuomo of NY for a voice of reason and common sense and I live in Florida:-)
I'm in Ohio, so we just got our first confirmed cases. We already went and gathered extra essentials, so should be fine in that regard. Since they just announced Kent State was going to all online courses, it's about 30 miles from here, and the governor has recommended all our sports be closed to anyone but immediate family, we're waiting on it seems the inevitable school closing. Definitely washing our hands and sanitizing frequently. Haven't gotten to the point of canceling things, so I guess we're staying the course, but being more vigilant if that makes sense.
For us it’s about pre-caution. No confidence in the Whitehouse briefings. How can we as a country be so horribly unprepared? Where are the pop up test stations, payroll tax cut, unemployment for those who can’t work. All we hear the administration talk about big biz not average folk. We have a son across the country in a county with cases, our state has none. His school wants to send him home, through 2 major and one regional airport. Not to mention the cost of the trip home, then back to school and again back home in the summer. I am immune compromised. And the fact is there are still not enough tests kits. Mostly what a sad state of no leadership.
I teach at 2 universities in New Jersey, sit on a state licensing board, and was scheduled to give a presentation on ethics to a group of Professional Engineers next week. One of the universities has extended the one-week Spring break to two and will probably have us conduct classes online, the other has told us to conduct our classes online from the week after Spring break (Spring break is next week) until at least April 5, the state board meeting is going to be by conference call, and the ethics presentation is being postponed until the end of April. So, everything is normal? No, the threat is real and the media is doing a good job keeping us informed, as opposed to our "leaders."
MY BIG Concern: The dear children currently being cruelly & horridly treated by the USA Government under Drumpf...being held in captivity after being taken from their families...Poor nutrition, No vaccines,lice, hard floors & no warm blankets ! HUMANITY??? Help them please. They are sure to become more ill. Even if this epidemic does not usually affect youngsters - just by being held in such filthy conditions they are compromised!
I work in healthcare industry in Kansas. Our hospital is already struggling financially because the Republicans in our state refuse to accept Medicaid expansion. I'm over 65, cancer survivor still working because I'm working poor. I used to be lower middle-class but wages have been stagnant and even though I had insurance, stage 4 lymphoma is expensive. I'm clerical in a respiratory related department so we will see covid 19 patients for sure. So I guess I'll wash my hands often and probably still catch it. And hopefully not die. Btw, hospital is having some issues getting face masks. Lovely.
I have the luxury of working from home 4/5 days. This week I elect to work 5/5 days. I'm more worried about my 82 year old mother than me. I did take the precaution yesterday of voting in the the Michigan primary wearing nitrile gloves. There were 2 half filled travel size hand sanitizers at the precinct. I'll be careful and take it day by day. Our first 2 cases are still waiting for CDC confirmation. What!?
I am in Idaho, no reported cases here but probably because of no test kits? I am working from home, going out when I have to (I am a Realtor), bought wipes for my car and home. Cleaning the steering wheel of my car was a wake up call! The people I talk to here are not afraid to get sick except of course those with existing issues. However, people are very wary of what this will do to the economy. I am surrounded by preppers (LDS) so I will make it! LOL
I'm a healthy 55 y.o. but live in a high-tourist area in So. Florida. Usually a diligent hand washer, just got my flu shot, but am avoiding big crowds not for me, but I have elderly parents (very ill dad). I don't want to expose them as they rely on me often for help. Have plan in place if teenager has to home school, and prepared spare room for parents in case they need it. Got some non-perishables, but they will last through hurricane season, if unused. Cancelled next weekend I had planned at EPCOT with daughter. Not feeling stressed about it, just want to be prepared.
I am trying to be cautious about my outings. I’m a full-time student at one of our local community colleges, but so far no classes have been cancelled. I’ve missed two classes, and at least for one class, I’m able to sit away from others. I just stopped shaking hands about a week ago. Regretting not doing o earlier on. Trying to take wipes with me to use on doorknobs, shopping carts, etc and we’re limiting our outings and using Lysol around the house. I continue to hear people who are “less vulnerable” joking (but not really joking) about going to vacation, especially now that airfare is so cheap. One woman even admitted that she and her husband spent an hour arguing about taking the kids to DL (he’s a scientist and said she’s willing to risk the health/lives of their kids - her response: “tell me how many kids have died from this”). People are clearly missing the point on this.
:-/ I am fearful but trying to not panic. I have high blood pressure, even though it’s under control, I’m still susceptible. I’m also concerned about giving it to others. I might be fine, but who’s to say things won’t be worse for them.
Hello all. Hope this finds you in the best possible spirits... I am an online English conversationalist and work with clients all over the world, including China, South Korea, Italy etc. I am more than HAPPY to share what I’ve been hearing about since January. Many of us are totally safe, but on the other hand, many are not. What we DO know that the ONE thing that has helped is staying at home. It is absolutely critical that we take action RIGHT NOW. The stats do not lie. The virus doesn’t discriminate. I know many people that have been inside for 40 days now and yes, it’s hard. BUT—— we have the internet, we have resources. We need to be proactive and not reactive because we can clearly see what happens to each country when they CHOSE to react and not take action immediately. I have been living overseas for 8 years and it’s MIND BLOWING to continue to see Americans focused on politics and all the other madness (which is totally important—I get it), and not TAKE ACTION regarding COVID-19. Please, please, PLEASE stay at home and share the love with everyone you can. We can as a world, unite and beat this. The global economy is going to hurt... We know this and acceptance is key. But what importance does the economy serve us if we let people die...? Think of the mental impact it will also have. Think about homeless people, prisoners, indigenous people, refugees... They have nowhere to go and the virus WILL continue to spread. We must see the bigger picture. Again, I’m not an alarmist and feel very woke about this global challenge but I continue to stay positive, laugh as much as possible, and again, share the information with everyone I know. I am happy to share my experiences with any of you in order to try and help humanity. Sending lots of good, positive, healing vibes to everyone. Cheers. 😊
My PhD is in Public Health and I take all this very seriously. Trump has misled the country and there will be people who die still saying, "It's a Democrat hoax!" My university has closed until further notice, all instruction is moving online. I'm good with that because I teach fully online using all the available conferencing technology and learning tools available to me. Fun facts: 1) I came from abject poverty, often went without lunch or dinner for days at a time. So I'm what some might call a food hoarder. I like to see my pantries and freezers FULL. I call myself *prepared*. I was stocked up on hand sanitizer, bleach, and toilet paper before it was fashionable. 2) I love love love staying at home. My husband recently gave me a bracelet out of the blue with this inscribed on it: "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." -Esther 4:14. Please stay safe everyone!!
I was already a germaphobe and refused to touch pretty much any door handle (because people don't wash their hands after going to the bathroom and are generally gross), and now I walk around with paper towel or tissues to make sure that I don't have to touch just about anything. Does that make me a freak? Yeah, almost certainly, but I can live with people thinking that..................
My adult kids, their spouses, and myself planned and booked a two week trip to Europe starting in two weeks. We cancelled. I am supposed to fly to AZ Friday. I work as a personal chef for a wealthy family. They are loading onto their private jet to go the resort. I'm flying commercial, renting a car, doing the daily shopping, and serving about 340 meals in 7 days. I'm not too thrilled that they haven't cancelled this trip. I don't think I'm particularly vulnerable (56 y.o. and ex smoker) but who knows. But I do have very heightened concerns about contracting it and putting additional strain on healthcare system or passing it along and putting someone who is vulnerable in danger or, again, adding strain to healthcare system. I'm really disappointed in what appears to be a disregard for any level of social responsibility as it pertains to this.
I'm immunocompromised with a primary immune deficiency. I work a few hours a week but am disabled at the age of 55. I am not going to work at all. My employer has been very supportive but of course, I don't get paid. I don't have sick leave. I have Basic Medicare. I have stocked up on groceries and filled prescriptions early. I have NOT panic-bought toilet paper and sanitizer but I already had a disaster kit. In the next 10 days I will be loading the car, taking the dog, and heading a couple hundred miles to stay with family. One of them is even more medically fragile than me and we can support each other. They are working from home and having groceries delivered but do not have a car like I do. It also allows me to leave my small rural community with poor access to services and be somewhere with better access to quality medical care. At least one of my children will be there, as well. It will be crowded and uncomfortable but we will feel safer, whether we actually really are or not. This really sucks. I struggle with feelings of anger and despair. This is not how I want to die.
I am a long term care Ombudsman in Illinois which means that I am an advocate for seniors, mentally ill or any residents of nursing homes or the like which are licensed by the state. We started to get directions from the state health department last week and are following the guidelines from the state or the CDC. Prior to this we (Ombudsman) don't go to facilitates with outbreaks which happen around this time of year typically ie the flu or cold. I am washing my hands more and most facilities already have hand sanitizers throughout their buildings. The biggest thing for us is that we don't want to be carrier's and spread it around to community's that are already vulnerable to infections.
It is appropriate during this administration to make plans through states and coordinated units of local governments -assuming there are resources. We are lucky in Colo to be led by Jared Polis who implemented a drive-up test center and arranged for 600,000 test kits, free testing, and emergency rulemaking in state agencies to provide paid sick leave for workers who must stay home. The Colorado director of health and the environment, Jill Ryan, is a star. They have studied Italy to know what went wrong. Yesterday a coalition of towns ans counties developed emergency plans on a regional basis. The point Colo is emphasizing is that common sense measures like washing hands & avoiding unnecessary travel/gatherings are designed to slow the spread of the virus into vulnerable populations & to buy time while a vaccine is being developed. Working from home isn’t just about “you.” It could save a life.
I am in Michigan, which does not (yet) have as many cases as the coasts. But as of a few days ago, I am self- quarantining because I am 73 and vulnerable.
The only threat not adequately addressed in MSM is the threat posed by Fox"News" Channel and the President's enablers.
I am a low-ish risk 58-yr-old person in good health, but have changed my community organizing efforts to more text/email efforts (we had a primary here yesterday). I did keep my weekly volunteer appointment at the local food pantry to in-take 600+ lbs of produce donated from our local grocers. The need is SO great and many of our older volunteers declined to come in today. I did convert all our household medications to three-month supply today, and have made sure that the staples and freezer are a little more stocked (esp. as it looks as though our youngest will be home from university in a few days).
The biggest challenge has been what he has as a college junior faced since January. He attends university back East. He was supposed to have been in China this semester (part of his degree requirement for graduation next year), but he pulled out just three days before all programs were suspended, so that he could try to make up a month of missed course-work back on campus. The school was great about resettling him on campus... but now everyone is being sent home with the balance of semester being taught by Zoom or Coursera (they're still figuring that out). Bigger question, for now unanswerable, is whether life will return to "normal" for summer school. He has even more critical plans for his graduation/career goals June/July/August. Heartbreaking... but not life-ending.
I am globally sad... mostly for the unnecessary, further disintegration of trust in our institutions... the CDC was a gem at one point in time. The current administration will have an eternity of history to answer for its incompetence, cruelty and needless hurt of its own people.
I work in healthcare in SoCal, so am not going to stay home unless I develop symptoms(or we begin testing employees regularly, which seems unlikely given the paucity of tests). Also, being T1D, I haven’t got a rosy outlook if I contract this disease(have an appointment to update my will soon). Just bracing for impact at this point.
I take care of my 90 yr old mom, so I quarantined her 2 months ago. I'm extremely careful when I'm out, so that I don't bring it back to her. I run a humidifier, as h2o encapsulates a virus, making it too heavy to stay airborne. I keep surfaces pretty much sterile. She thinks a little touch of a baby wipe cleans her hands, so she 😠 when I stand over her while she 'soaps up'...lol.
I just took a hiatus from my docent position at NMNH. I am 66 and in decent health. I know I am a serious hand washer ( not a new thing) and would not go in if I was sick but I cannot trust the thousands of visitors and especially the influx of traveling school groups we get at this time of year. We did get new protocols today- you can wear gloves and masks if you have them, the carts we take out with objects for the public to see and touch are not to go out, and other things to lessen contact but it is not sufficient for me. I am sorry to do it but I feel it is necessary. My neighbor’s kids are home while their school is deep cleaned- some teachers had exposure to the virus
I often walk to the store and we live in a low income neighborhood with a lot of homeless people and stressed people, so I'm shopping at times when I know it won't be so busy. I'm trying to keep strangers 6 feet away, since most people don't know how to safely cough or sneeze. I wash my hands well when I get home. If it gets bad in the Twin Cities, I'll start getting groceries delivered via Instacart. I find I am shopping less.
I'm 74 but super healthy. I live next door to my granddaughters, who are still attending public school daily. I drive them to school and go into my younger granddaughter's school every afternoon for pick up. My daughter is an Urgent Care physician. Of course the clinic uses great protocols and triage, but my assumption from day 1 is that my family will be exposed and we all may get it. I fully expect us all to survive, but it would be nicer not to get it.
This period of time in the epidemic is worrisome. Test kit supply has not caught up to reality. There are cases in our city, my daughter is seeing patients, and they don't have test kits. This is just unacceptable. Doctors have to go by symptoms to diagnose, test for flu first (which takes a few days), and then hopefully get test kits for Covid 19. Her employer has just started doing 15 minute COVID updates daily, which is a good thing; information is power.
I have read that Covid19 is considered a SARS type virus, meaning Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome. I am really outraged that people are not being quickly diagnosed, because delaying diagnosis/treatment is more likely to lead to acute respiratory distress. Also, health care workers are at greater risk, especially because Trump's CDC is very weak in terms of sharing information. The possible overload of the system will only make everyone more exhausted and vulnerable.
I'm calling Minnesota's Governor today to advocate that MN starts making its own test kits. Minnesota should have very good resources for doing that, and relying on the Trump administration is foolish.
I'm trying to stay active, healthy, and get outdoors a lot. Thank god for podcasts and laughter.
I stayed home all last week from my preschool job because I just felt "off". Did not go to see Frozen on Broadway last night in Portland cuz my daughter has a cough and we aren't assholes.
Otherwise not much but at my preschool...washing hands every 20 minutes with the kids and every time a kid touches their face. I make up funny songs to sing and I scrub with them.
I'm trying to walk instead of subway, or take it during non-rush hour. Political fundraisers I planned to attend have been cancelled. I use hand sanitizer when i get off train. I clean my phone, laptop, and computer a couple times a day with rubbing alcohol. I bump elbows instead of shaking hands. When I do my shift at the food co-op tomorrow, I will wear surgical gloves. I will also start wearing biodegradable surgical gloves at the gym. I have stocked up on smoothie supplies, and unrelated ordered too much TP about a month ago.
👇🏼 Absolutely agree that we need to take care of ourselves to not overwhelm the system for those in true need. Yes, stock up so that you can self quarantine and have a low impact. It’s pretty easy to have extra canned and frozen food. Rice beans pasta! Enchilada sauce and bottled pasta sauce in case your veggies run out! Video chat with your elderly relatives rather than visiting nursing homes. It’s all pretty basic. Don’t listen to the White House, listen to the experts.
I'm a data analyst for the infection prevention department at a large hospital system in NC. I have an autoimmune disease as well as asthma. I've been upping my disinfecting (including bringing wipes with me in public places). I just canceled a gig (I'm a musician part-time) and have uninvited myself to places with large crowds. Thankfully, I will be allowed to work from home and will likely start that sooner than later. Being cautious as there aren't "confirmed" cases in my city, but it's just a matter of time.
My wife is retired and immune system compromised so there is that worry. I just lost my job for 6 months or so at a local university that just shut down. Unemployment will help but it’s not really enough. It’s probably good that i was laid off, so I don’t bring anything harmful home. It’s still gonna hurt tho and now only the hotel owners, airline stockholders, and cruise ship owners will get any help from our Resident of the White House.
I have multiple comorbidities so I took care as many of my in person doctor appointments two weeks ago and made plans with them for the possibility of phone consults in the future. I stocked up on my prescription, and OTC, medications that I hadn't already managed to get a month or two ahead and I purchased shelf stable food, water, pet supplies, wipes, gloves, hand gel, aloe gel & alcohol to make my own, paper & cleaning supplies & personal hygiene supplies. This cost a considerable amount of my fixed income from last month and this month and will take me at least three months to catch up on. I am fortunate that I was able to do that and I know that this is not a realistic possibility for many people. I considered self isolation a priority, not only for myself, but for other vulnerable community members. Today will be the last day that my caregiver will come inside to help me. I plan on offering to continue to pay her $10 one day a week, (if she is not self isolating & and wants to do it), to pick up a few groceries and the mail & then leave it at my front door. I canceled my trip to see family in May last week so that my sister in law will be able to get a full refund. I usually go twice a year to see them and it was really crushing to have to cancel. I set many short term goals around those visits and it has been the most difficult adjustment that I've had to make to date. Both my brothers & sisters in law are in high risk categories. My son works in a hospital lab & is on their COVID-19 task force & a young nephew has stage 3 cancer so I'm very concerned about all their well being as we all ride this out. Due to some of my health issues, I don't get out a lot anyway so the self isolation isn't too much of a change from my day to day, just a few cancellations here and there, no going to movies, no accepting any offers to go out to eat & no takeout. I am switching out some of the herbs & other plants that I normally grow each spring for vegetables and I plan on growing tomatoes, peppers, greens mix, basil & a few more herbs instead of mostly herbs and flowers. I still will grow a few flowers especially for my night garden.
I don't think that the media is exaggerating the danger & urgency of the situation. I believe that, due to our lack of preparation coupled with the defunding and elimination of critical infectious disease resources, our hospitals, first responders, health care workers & others will become completely overwhelmed and many people will die as a result, not all necessarily from COVID-19. I hope that I am wrong but one only has to look at Italy currently to see where we will soon be.
I don't think that we are at all prepared for what is coming in the weeks and months ahead. Many will pay the ultimate price for our government's incompetence. As we begin to experience the devastating effects to come, I fear that our president will become more authoritarian and I expect martial law to be enacted. I don't think that the term crimes against humanity is too strong of a term to describe the actions of our president and some of the lackeys that he has installed and I hope to live long enough to see many of them brought to justice. Thanks for keeping us informed and please stay safe out there.
About a week before the “Great Toilet Paper War”, I had already stocked up with about 6 weeks of non-perishables, dog food & yes, the all-important TP. Figured I was ready if I needed it & if not? It would eventually get eaten or could be donated to my Food Bank. I have some prescriptions due in about 2 weeks, but I have Asthma & didn’t get a Flu Shot last year (Dumb. I usually do) so today, I emailed my Doc’s Office to enquire about current protocol & whether they might be able to just forward my prescriptions to the Pharmacy without a visit given the current climate.
My friend’s Parents had booked a Seniors trip to Japan & South Korea for this month! They had to wait for the organizers to cancel it in order to get refunded. Maybe next year?
Trump is not interested in doing anything that he believes will interfere with his re-election. A re-election that will never happen!
I think GOP's down-playing this virus will cost us thousands of lives. This is a tsunami and the US is unprepared. I'm over 50, have a pre-existing condition and am a Virgo, so I am not leaving my apartment, have stocked up on everything, and am disinfecting surfaces with 70% alcohol because I have a roommate who is a teacher (yikes). I'm also disinfecting my liver. I ordered a case of cava so I'm good for a while.
I’m a heart transplant survivor and thus immunosuppressed. I started to take precautions last week but I honestly thought I had another week.
As a transplant, I have to live a certain way to avoid picking up any extra bugs and *knock on wood* have avoided the flu in my 3 years since transplant (I sometimes think this is because I taught for 23 years before getting sick). I always use hand sanitizer after touching anything the public would touch - gas pumps, clean gym equipment pre using, touching a menu, etc. and generally after food shopping.
Extra steps now, I’m staying in as much as possible. I stopped going to the yoga studio and gym. I wear a vogmask if/when I go out (bloodwork this week). I did start buying extra food but, again, thought I had another week. Family and friends are asking daily if I need anything from the store. I have a hard time accepting help but a friend came over yesterday to wipe everything down again.
Full disclosure, I don’t like to live this way but I would HATE to get the virus. I want to survive this thing.
Thank you for this thread!!
We cancelled a trip to Disneyland. 1 teen, 2 middle-age adults and 1 older (late 60s) adult. Was supposed to leave tonight and return Saturday. I know it’s mostly impacting older people, but I was concerned about the “asthmatic” teen- every cold she gets lingers in her lungs. Better safe than sorry- everyone is sad about it.
We are very aware because my wife is immunity challenged (heart murmur, asthma, lyne disease since 1987), so it is red zone time for us. Luckily, we are self-employed with our office a block away. But since we are in advertising, we stress about fewer visitors to the area and the coming recession (not to mention any shortage of toilet paper). I predict that our Dear Leader’s ignorance toward this issue will potentially cause problems for his flock, but they will still follow him until he is defeated in November....and for years afterward (sigh). To sum up - we are in high alert for any sniffle or cough, yet continue to move ahead, no matter what....
If you are over 60 or retired please stock up and stay home through the upcoming peak. Don’t be the one who contributes to overwhelming the healthcare system, taking a bed from a child who needs hospitalization. The Boomers could stop the speed of Covid-19 spread and save lives.
Disgusting “starve the beast” conservatism reaping what it sows. What could be more evidence than Don the Con depleting pandemic experts from the CDC in 2018? I’ve been adjusting our retirement nest egg to prepare for deep recession-it’s quickly becoming a self-feeding cycle in the sheer failures of the federal government. And doing my best to “keep it sanitized” at home. Our schools are still open but lots of events are being cancelled. I’m unfortunately the kind of guy that will eat my kids’ leftovers without thought, same fork and all, after 2 hours of cleaning door knobs and handles. 🤦🏻♂️
We are on spring break this week (yeah, I know, it’s not even spring yet 🙄), but another school district in our area closed this week. I’m curious to see what will happen next week when we are supposed to go back.
For the most part, we haven’t made many changes. I will admit that I bought some extra toilet paper (not a lot, just enough in case they continue to run low). I also bought a flat of bottled water. If we don’t need it now, we’ll use it for outings this summer. $3 is totally worth peace of mind.
We continue to go out to the movies and the zoo. Although, I have been pulling out the hand sanitizer more often. I’m not worried, yet, but I will take a few steps to protect my family.
I’m retired (100% disability rating VA pension) and just had both knees replaced. So I was already staying in my home. I’ve worked in the hospital so I already wash my hands after every patient err I mean person contact. So my behavior hasn’t really changed. I was looking forward to walks as the weather got better but we are delaying that a bit. Amee I do want to thank you, I am so thankful that you do the research you do and publish it in Shero!
As a member of the elderly homeless who rely on public facilities... well, Darwin.
I’m retired and after complex foot and ankle surgery in mid-October I’ve been mostly confined to my home. My first two events happened ten days ago when my BFF and I went to the casino to see Tracy Morgan and I attended a wedding (full of trump supporters from the groom’s side!). I’ve definitely been thinking about how many germy slot machines and surfaces I touched those two days. We have ID’d some cases here in MN and I definitely have stocked my pantry and freezer. My son who lives with me is in college and has more community exposure than I. I did buy a bunch of sani-wipes last month to keep in my purse. I’m a nurse, so I wash my hands constantly anyway and was trained not to touch my face. I don’t shake hands during flu season as a routine practice.
We have to assume it’s everywhere and hope the testing ramps up this week.
I went to a potluck with friends recently, a corner of the table was filled with bleach wipes, hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap.
I started wearing gloves in public.
I don’t shake hands anymore, just first bump.
I'm in Colorado, we have 18 cases right now. The US cases have nearly tripled since last week- 1039 as of this am. I just had surgery two weeks ago, and now have a suppressed immune system. I have food for at least 8 weeks, have been cooking and freezing. I've cleaned/disinfected every surface in my apartment and my car. I've self isolated now.
I think trump is more concerned with the effect on his reelection, image and personal holdings (Trump hotels, etc) than he is with the American people. He hates the numbers, because of optics. I think people in this administration are so afraid to give him bad news, they are purposefully giving him bad and false information.
In the coming weeks, the numbers of infected in the US are going to explode. This. Is. A. Pandemic.
We are season ticket holders for our local AHL hockey team and have decided to skip home games at this time. I work in a hospital (Non patient care) and am 1000 times more careful regarding what I touch and where I go.
I have not changed a lot (I work in a small office with two others - no outside visitors) Although we just canceled our Educator march on the Colorado capitol for next week. About 5,000 people would have been attending. It sucks, but I think a smart move. I too have a very full pantry and filled freezer, so not concerned with food. I have enough toilet paper and hand sanitizer, etc, etc. Been using hand sanitizer every time I get in and out of the car. I have it in my purse too. Wash hands when I get to work and when I get home from anywhere. I don't think I will go to church just to be on the safe side until we have more information on spread. I'm so thankful that my governor in Colorado is Jared Polis. He just opened a drive up/through Coronavirus testing center. I know he has been all over this by his news briefings. Take care everyone - thankful for you Amy keeping us informed and to the rest of you - I'm glad we are on the same team!
I haven't changed much yet in my personal life. I’m a bit more conscious on how long I wash my hands and have added hand sanitizer to my daily travel bag but I was already pretty good in this area. At work, I’m part of the information technology leadership team of an international company so I’ve spent much of my recent time planning and testing technology for a variety of scenarios.
I have two personal trips coming up in the next six weeks, both domestic, and to this point I haven’t canceled, but I am leaving my options open.
I’ve decided to stay a bit further from social media and main stream news media during this time (except, of course, your newsletter). I check who.int daily and a few other trusted sources (again, this newsletter is one of those 😎) but the hype and denial are both extreme and I get irritated and embarrassed by it all.
Reading through the comments here, I am in agreement with many. This is serious and we have to take action and be smart. We need to learn from others and trust science. The White House and GOP, as well as Fox News...you know, the usual suspects...are acting so irresponsibly on this matter. That drove me away more than usual.
I wish all of you well. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Thank you, Amee, for creating this wonderful community!
My kids school has closed at least for a few days. They have no known cases, but are being proactive. Which sadly I think is the only way we would be able to keep this from being catastrophic, but I think the federal government is too worried about optics to actually do the work to contain it and protect people (which require proactive measures and LOTS of testing, like S Korea has done.) Because then if you contain it, and it doesn't get that bad (because you took appropriate proactive measures) people say you overreacted and it wasn't that bad....
I'm supposed to work in another state for 2 months, but my plan was to have my 69 year old mom come watch my kids while I do that, and fly them out to visit me a couple of times, but now I feel bad asking my mom to expose herself in that way.
I support public safety (911, police,fire, etc), so when they call, I go. Unless I have symptoms, I have to go if there is a problem. I can take reasonable precautions, but some things are mostly out of my control.
Right now, it is not in our county (as far as we know) so I have not done too much. I am in the "old people" category now so I should be more worried. But, I live alone, work from home already and don't go out too much. I am not around others unless I go to the grocery store. The stores have really stepped it up by providing wipes to wipe off carts and hand sanitizer. I should be more of a germaphobe because I touch my face CONTINOUSLY! Just got word from work that everyone is supposed to work from home until the end of March. I am also listening to Gov. Cuomo of NY for a voice of reason and common sense and I live in Florida:-)
I live in Austin and the (now canceled) SXSW is a decent part of my yearly income. I'll be losing quite a bit of money as a result.
I've definitely become more conscientious about washing my hands and cleaning surfaces, though I realize those are all things we should do anyhow.
I'm also considering carrying supplies for cleaning down places such as bus seats and public staircase railings.
I'm in Ohio, so we just got our first confirmed cases. We already went and gathered extra essentials, so should be fine in that regard. Since they just announced Kent State was going to all online courses, it's about 30 miles from here, and the governor has recommended all our sports be closed to anyone but immediate family, we're waiting on it seems the inevitable school closing. Definitely washing our hands and sanitizing frequently. Haven't gotten to the point of canceling things, so I guess we're staying the course, but being more vigilant if that makes sense.
For us it’s about pre-caution. No confidence in the Whitehouse briefings. How can we as a country be so horribly unprepared? Where are the pop up test stations, payroll tax cut, unemployment for those who can’t work. All we hear the administration talk about big biz not average folk. We have a son across the country in a county with cases, our state has none. His school wants to send him home, through 2 major and one regional airport. Not to mention the cost of the trip home, then back to school and again back home in the summer. I am immune compromised. And the fact is there are still not enough tests kits. Mostly what a sad state of no leadership.
I teach at 2 universities in New Jersey, sit on a state licensing board, and was scheduled to give a presentation on ethics to a group of Professional Engineers next week. One of the universities has extended the one-week Spring break to two and will probably have us conduct classes online, the other has told us to conduct our classes online from the week after Spring break (Spring break is next week) until at least April 5, the state board meeting is going to be by conference call, and the ethics presentation is being postponed until the end of April. So, everything is normal? No, the threat is real and the media is doing a good job keeping us informed, as opposed to our "leaders."
MY BIG Concern: The dear children currently being cruelly & horridly treated by the USA Government under Drumpf...being held in captivity after being taken from their families...Poor nutrition, No vaccines,lice, hard floors & no warm blankets ! HUMANITY??? Help them please. They are sure to become more ill. Even if this epidemic does not usually affect youngsters - just by being held in such filthy conditions they are compromised!
I work in healthcare industry in Kansas. Our hospital is already struggling financially because the Republicans in our state refuse to accept Medicaid expansion. I'm over 65, cancer survivor still working because I'm working poor. I used to be lower middle-class but wages have been stagnant and even though I had insurance, stage 4 lymphoma is expensive. I'm clerical in a respiratory related department so we will see covid 19 patients for sure. So I guess I'll wash my hands often and probably still catch it. And hopefully not die. Btw, hospital is having some issues getting face masks. Lovely.
UPDATE: 1st case close to me in Girard Ohio was confirmed, in Warren Ohio. My Mom was at that hospital same day. Yikes!
I have the luxury of working from home 4/5 days. This week I elect to work 5/5 days. I'm more worried about my 82 year old mother than me. I did take the precaution yesterday of voting in the the Michigan primary wearing nitrile gloves. There were 2 half filled travel size hand sanitizers at the precinct. I'll be careful and take it day by day. Our first 2 cases are still waiting for CDC confirmation. What!?
I am in Idaho, no reported cases here but probably because of no test kits? I am working from home, going out when I have to (I am a Realtor), bought wipes for my car and home. Cleaning the steering wheel of my car was a wake up call! The people I talk to here are not afraid to get sick except of course those with existing issues. However, people are very wary of what this will do to the economy. I am surrounded by preppers (LDS) so I will make it! LOL
I'm a healthy 55 y.o. but live in a high-tourist area in So. Florida. Usually a diligent hand washer, just got my flu shot, but am avoiding big crowds not for me, but I have elderly parents (very ill dad). I don't want to expose them as they rely on me often for help. Have plan in place if teenager has to home school, and prepared spare room for parents in case they need it. Got some non-perishables, but they will last through hurricane season, if unused. Cancelled next weekend I had planned at EPCOT with daughter. Not feeling stressed about it, just want to be prepared.
I am trying to be cautious about my outings. I’m a full-time student at one of our local community colleges, but so far no classes have been cancelled. I’ve missed two classes, and at least for one class, I’m able to sit away from others. I just stopped shaking hands about a week ago. Regretting not doing o earlier on. Trying to take wipes with me to use on doorknobs, shopping carts, etc and we’re limiting our outings and using Lysol around the house. I continue to hear people who are “less vulnerable” joking (but not really joking) about going to vacation, especially now that airfare is so cheap. One woman even admitted that she and her husband spent an hour arguing about taking the kids to DL (he’s a scientist and said she’s willing to risk the health/lives of their kids - her response: “tell me how many kids have died from this”). People are clearly missing the point on this.
:-/ I am fearful but trying to not panic. I have high blood pressure, even though it’s under control, I’m still susceptible. I’m also concerned about giving it to others. I might be fine, but who’s to say things won’t be worse for them.